Latest news with #TetsuroHigashi
Nikkei Asia
20 hours ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Japan's state-backed Rapidus needs plan B in pursuit of 2-nm chips
Comment With government funding, foundry has charged ahead without heeding industry shifts Rapidus Chairman Tetsuro Higashi, far left, and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike, second from left, celebrate the successful production of a 2-nanometer transistor in July. (Photo by Rie Ishii) TAKEHIKO KOYANAGI August 12, 2025 05:40 JST TOKYO -- When Rapidus successfully formed 2-nanometer transistor structures on a silicon wafer at its Chitose plant in Hokkaido this July, it marked the first time since around 2009 to 2010 that a Japanese company had produced cutting-edge semiconductor elements in Japan.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tokyo Electron sacks Taiwan employee over TSMC tech leak
Taipei: Tokyo Electron said Thursday it has fired an employee at its Taiwan subsidiary over their alleged involvement in a trade secret leak at Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC . The Japanese firm issued a statement after media reports said Taiwanese authorities had searched its Hsinchu office as part of a probe into the breach. Six people were arrested after TSMC discovered the leak involving "national core technology" in July, Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office said this week. TSMC is the world's largest contract chip manufacturer and counts Nvidia and Apple among its clients. Taiwanese media have reported that the leaked information was related to TSMC's most advanced 2-nanometre chip technology . A former employee and two current TSMC staff members have been detained, while two other employees were released on bail and another freed without any conditions, prosecutors said. The sacked Tokyo Electron staff member previously worked for TSMC and is among those detained, a source with knowledge of the investigation told AFP. Tokyo Electron is a major producer of chipmaking equipment used by TSMC, winning the 2024 TSMC Excellent Performance Award for both "technology collaboration and production support". Another client is Japanese chipmaker Rapidus, which is building a plant in Hokkaido to make 2-nanometre chips . Rapidus chairman Tetsuro Higashi is a former president of Tokyo Electron. Tokyo Electron said it sacked its staff member after they were "confirmed to be involved in an incident announced by Taiwanese judicial authorities on August 5". "The company has terminated their employment and is fully cooperating with the investigation by Taiwanese judicial authorities," Tokyo Electron said. "An internal investigation has revealed no leaks of confidential information so far." In a statement, TSMC said it had taken "strict disciplinary actions against the personnel involved" in the "potential trade secret leaks". TSMC did not provide details about the technology involved in the suspected leaks.
Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Tokyo Electron sacks Taiwan employee over TSMC tech leak
[TAIPEI] Tokyo Electron said on Thursday (Aug 7) it has fired an employee at its Taiwan subsidiary over their alleged involvement in a trade secret leak at Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC. The Japanese firm issued a statement after media reports said Taiwanese authorities had searched its Hsinchu office as part of a probe into the breach. Six people were arrested after TSMC discovered the leak involving 'national core technology' in July, Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office said this week. TSMC is the world's largest contract chip manufacturer and counts Nvidia and Apple among its clients. Taiwanese media have reported that the leaked information was related to TSMC's most advanced two-nanometre chip technology. A former employee and two current TSMC staff members have been detained, while two other employees were released on bail and another freed without any conditions, prosecutors said. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The sacked Tokyo Electron staff member previously worked for TSMC and is among those detained, a source with knowledge of the investigation told AFP. Tokyo Electron is a major producer of chipmaking equipment used by TSMC, winning the 2024 TSMC Excellent Performance Award for both 'technology collaboration and production support'. Another client is Japanese chipmaker Rapidus, which is building a plant in Hokkaido to make two-nanometre chips. Rapidus chairman Tetsuro Higashi is a former president of Tokyo Electron. Tokyo Electron said it sacked its staff member after they were 'confirmed to be involved in an incident announced by Taiwanese judicial authorities on August 5'. 'The company has terminated their employment and is fully cooperating with the investigation by Taiwanese judicial authorities,' Tokyo Electron said. 'An internal investigation has revealed no leaks of confidential information so far.' In a statement, TSMC said it had taken 'strict disciplinary actions against the personnel involved' in the 'potential trade secret leaks'. TSMC did not provide details about the technology involved in the suspected leaks. AFP
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Tokyo Electron sacks Taiwan employee over TSMC tech leak
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Taiwanese media have reported that the leaked information was related to TSMC's most advanced 2-nanometre chip technology. Taipei - Tokyo Electron said on Aug 7 it has fired an employee at its Taiwan subsidiary over their alleged involvement in a trade secret leak at Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC. The Japanese firm issued a statement after media reports said Taiwanese authorities had searched its Hsinchu office as part of a probe into the breach. Six people were arrested after TSMC discovered the leak involving 'national core technology' in July, Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office said this week. TSMC is the world's largest contract chip manufacturer and counts Nvidia and Apple among its clients. Taiwanese media have reported that the leaked information was related to TSMC's most advanced 2-nanometre chip technology. A former employee and two current TSMC staff members have been detained, while two other employees were released on bail and another freed without any conditions, prosecutors said. The sacked Tokyo Electron staff member previously worked for TSMC and is among those detained, a source with knowledge of the investigation told AFP. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Some ageing condos in Singapore struggle with failing infrastructure, inadequate sinking funds Singapore PUB investigating wastewater discharge in Eunos: Pritam Singapore Water gel guns among newer tools NParks uses to manage monkeys in estates World Trump eyes 100% chips tariff, but 0% for US investors like Apple World Trump's 100% semiconductor tariffs may hit chipmakers in Singapore, other SEA nations Business DBS shares hit record-high after Q2 profit beats forecast on strong wealth fees, trading income Business UOB lowers outlook on tariff impact after 6% drop in Q2 profit; shares fall 1.7% Singapore SCDF officer who molested female subordinate gets 15 months' jail Tokyo Electron is a major producer of chipmaking equipment used by TSMC, winning the 2024 TSMC Excellent Performance Award for both 'technology collaboration and production support'. Another client is Japanese chipmaker Rapidus, which is building a plant in Hokkaido to make 2-nanometre chips. Rapidus chairman Tetsuro Higashi is a former president of Tokyo Electron. Tokyo Electron said it sacked its staff member after they were 'confirmed to be involved in an incident announced by Taiwanese judicial authorities on Aug 5'. 'The company has terminated their employment and is fully cooperating with the investigation by Taiwanese judicial authorities,' Tokyo Electron said. 'An internal investigation has revealed no leaks of confidential information so far.' In a statement, TSMC said it had taken 'strict disciplinary actions against the personnel involved' in the 'potential trade secret leaks'. TSMC did not provide details about the technology involved in the suspected leaks. AFP
Japan Forward
22-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Rapidus Ushers in New Era with Operational 2nm Chip Prototype
このページを 日本語 で読む On July 18, Rapidus, the company spearheading Japan's efforts to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, hosted a customer event at a hotel in Chitose, Hokkaido. The venue was located near the site of the company's semiconductor manufacturing facility, which is currently under construction. Speaking at a press conference beforehand, President and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike announced that the pilot production line, launched in April 2025, was running smoothly. He also revealed that the company had successfully confirmed the operation of a prototype 2-nanometer semiconductor chip. This marks a major milestone in Japan's semiconductor ambitions. Chairman Tetsuro Higashi of Rapidus, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki, and Chitose Mayor Ryuichi Yokota also attended the press conference. President Koike underscored the significance of the achievement, calling the 2-nanometer prototype Japan's first and a groundbreaking milestone. "We achieved this at an unprecedented speed," he said. Looking ahead, he stated that Rapidus will continue refining the chip with the goal of entering mass production by 2027. Attendees at the press conference (from left) Rapidus Chairman Tetsuro Higashi, President and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki, and Chitose Mayor Ryuichi Yokota. July 18, Chitose City, Hokkaido (©Sankei by Takahiro Sakamoto) Governor Suzuki expressed strong optimism, stating, "Today marks a major milestone in the history of Hokkaido's semiconductor industry." He also affirmed his commitment to ongoing support. On the same day, members of the media were given a tour of the new IIM-1 factory, which is now approximately 80% complete. The customer event at the hotel drew around 200 participants, including suppliers and prospective business partners from around the world. Author: Takahiro Sakamoto, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
